Learning Curve

The weekend after moving to CW, Ransom and I participated in a clinic. It was a boot camp of sorts, kicking off a new season of moving forward in our training. There were nine other participants, and Ransom had never been in an arena with so many other horses before. He sneaked in curious sideways glances when I didn’t require him to focus on the task at hand. Ransom was unofficially dubbed “the Appy,” and the nickname stuck with those who couldn’t remember his name.

While the principles taught in the clinic were review, the application and execution of them showed holes where Ransom and I can use improvement. For example, I need to expect more when I follow-through on my cues, and be more correct with my hands. Ransom needs work on accepting the bit, and tail swishing attitude.

In summary, an effective rider:

1) Controls the horse…
                Mentally
                Physically
                Emotionally
                …by controlling the feet
2) Produces a horse that is:
                Safe
                Soft and responsive
                Obedient
                Pleasurable
                Balanced and collected
3) Trains by principle versus style or discipline
4) Rides with an independent seat and uses pressure & release consistently with good timing and feel
5) Establishes trust and leadership by correcting appropriately and listening to the horse

All that served to remind me that Ransom and I still have a lot to learn and practice. But that’s my favorite thing about horsemanship – there’s always more to learn. By the end of the clinic, Ransom was the picture of weariness. After nine hours in the saddle, I was ready for a nap myself.